Short-Term Disability for Mental Health: What Qualifies and How to Claim

CoverageGap Team · Published November 3, 2026 · 7 min read

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can keep someone out of work just as surely as a broken leg. Many short-term disability plans do pay for that time, but mental health claims are reviewed more closely, and the details of your plan matter more than usual.

This guide covers which conditions may qualify, what evidence insurers look for, the common limits, and how to prepare a claim. For the basics of how benefits are paid, start with how short-term disability works.

Does short-term disability cover mental health?

Often, but not always. Aflac notes that not every short-term disability plan covers mental illness and that coverage depends on the company and the plan. ADP says anxiety, depression, and stress are generally covered but that these claims are harder to process and need more medical records. The only way to know for your plan is to read its definitions and exclusions.

Which conditions may qualify?

Aflac lists conditions its plan can include: depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, and substance and alcohol use disorders. What matters is not the diagnosis alone but whether the condition stops you from doing the essential duties of your job, as documented by a treating provider.

What evidence do insurers want?

• A formal diagnosis from a treating doctor, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist.
• Treatment records showing regular care and that you are following the treatment plan.
• Functional limits, not just symptoms. A claims guide from the law firm Pond Lehocky says mental health claims should address concentration, focus, and interaction with others.
• Job duties that explain why those limits stop you from doing your work.

ADP notes that claims analysts may request all relevant medical records, especially for behavioral health claims, so expect follow-up questions.

Common limits and exclusions

• Pre-existing conditions. Aflac says these are typically not covered, so a condition treated before you joined the plan may be excluded for a period.
• Self-harm. Aflac lists self-harm as typically not covered.
• Waiting periods. The usual unpaid days apply before benefits start. See the elimination period guide.
• Long-term limits. If you need longer support, many long-term disability policies cap mental health benefits at two years, according to Pond Lehocky. See how long-term disability works.

How to prepare a mental health claim

1. Ask HR or the insurer for the claim forms and the plan's definition of disability.
2. Tell your provider you are filing and ask them to describe your functional limits, not only your diagnosis.
3. Keep copies of appointment records, prescriptions, and treatment notes.
4. Respond to insurer requests quickly and keep a log of every call and letter.
5. If you are denied, read the denial letter for the appeal deadline before you do anything else.

What it pays

A mental health claim pays the same as any other approved short-term claim: typically 40% to 70% of base pay, often with a cap, for the plan's benefit period. Whether the money is taxed depends on who paid the premium; see is disability insurance taxable.

Related guides

• How does short-term disability work?
• How does long-term disability work?
• Is disability insurance taxable?
• Elimination period: 30, 90 or 180 days?

Frequently asked questions

This article is general education, not insurance, tax, legal, or medical advice. Your plan documents and a licensed agent or HR representative can confirm what applies to you.